Ransomware Recovery: How to Restore Data & Prevent Future Attacks

Key Takeaways

• Start with containment when performing ransomware recovery to isolate systems and devices.
• Recover data from old backups or previous versions of files or folders if possible.
• To reduce the risk of ransomware in the future, take some preventive tips including regular backups, updated software, and strong account protection.

What Is Ransomware Recovery?

Ransomware may encrypt your files, including documents, databases, and photos, or lock the system. Ransomware recovery is the process of restoring access to encrypted data or systems, ideally without paying a ransom.

Recovery should begin with containing the infection rather than immediately trying to open encrypted files. Isolate the infected device, remove the ransomware, and evaluate recovery options to prevent further damage.

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How to Recover from Ransomware

The recovery process involves three key steps, detailed in the following sections.

Immediate Response Actions

The first thing should be preventing the ransomware from communicating with other devices and affecting other data unceasingly.

#1. Disconnect the Infected Device

Disconnect the infected computer from the internet immediately, such as turning off Wi-Fi, unplugging the Ethernet cable, and disconnecting VPNs. This step can block the ransomware from spreading through shared networks.

Additionally, disconnect external storage devices from the computer, especially USB drives and other devices containing backup data.

#2. Isolate Infected Systems

It is also necessary to isolate all infected systems if multiple computers are connected to the same network. This can prevent ransomware from spreading to other endpoints that are in business or shared-network environments.

Threat Removal Steps

Removing the ransomware before restoring data is critical. If the attack is still active, the restored files may be encrypted again. A full system scan can detect malicious files, processes, and components and remove the threats.

To scan the system, run a trusted antivirus or anti-malware app. Windows 11/10 includes built-in security software, Windows Security.

Follow these steps to run a full scan:

Step 1: Type Windows Security in the Search box and press Enter to open it.

Step 2: Go to Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

Step 3: Choose Full scan and click Scan now.

This option checks all files and running programs on your hard drive, which may take longer than 1 hour.

If Full scan fails to find ransomware, choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan.

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Once the threat is identified, remove the malicious files and programs.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party security tool to perform a full system scan and remove the threats.

Ransomware Data Recovery Procedures

The available recovery options depend on:

• Whether a clean backup is available.
• Whether previous file versions exist.
• Whether a decryption tool is available for the ransomware variant.

#1. Restore Files from Backups

A cleanup backup is one of the safest ways to restore the infected data.

Ensure the backup is created before the attack. If backup drives or network shares are compromised, restoring from them could re-infect the system with malicious or encrypted files.

For Windows users, backup software like MiniTool ShadowMaker can be used to back up and restore the system and files. If you have a backup created by this tool, go to its Restore tab and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the file recovery.

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#2. Use a Ransomware Decryptor

A security company may develop professional tools for a particular ransomware family. To access encrypted files, a decryptor may be useful.

Step 1: Identify the ransomware variant by checking the ransom note, modified file extensions, or unique markers.

Step 2: Download and install a decryptor from a reputable security organization.

Step 3: Run this tool to decrypt your files.

#3. Restore Previous Versions of Files

Windows uses File History and System Protection (Shadow Copies) to create previous versions for files and folders for easy recovery.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click the encrypted file or folder and choose Properties.

Step 2: Navigate to Previous Versions and check if old versions are available.

Step 3: Select a version created before a ransomware attack and click Restore.

How to Protect Data from Ransomware

Preventing ransomware attacks is far more efficient than recovering encrypted data after an infection.

Follow these prevention tips:

• Keep system and software updated: Install the latest security updates for Windows and programs to fix vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.
• Run security software: Enable real-time protection in Windows Security, or use a reputable third-party anti-malware program to detect and block ransomware and other threats.
• Avoid suspicious links and email attachments: Don’t open unfamiliar links and suspicious attachments, as phishing emails can deliver ransomware.
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA): Create unique passwords for important accounts. If possible, enable MFA to add an extra layer of protection against various threats.
• Create regular backups for important data: This provides a reliable way to restore your data if your files are encrypted by ransomware.

For data backup, consider using the professional and reliable backup software, MiniTool ShadowMaker. It is compatible with Windows 11/10 and is designed to create a system image and back up files, folders, disks, and partitions.

Additionally, it offers flexible options to create incremental, differential, and automatic backups, saving time and space.

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Step 1: Connect an external drive to the clean computer.

Step 2: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker and go to the Backup tab.

Step 3: Navigate to SOURCE > Folders and Files and select what you need to back up.

Step 4: Choose DESTINATION to select the connected drive.

Step 5: Go to Options > Schedule Settings, enable this feature, and set up a schedule, such as daily, weekly, and monthly.

Step 6: Click Back Up Now to start the process.

Ransomware Recovery FAQ

Conclusion

Ransomware recovery requires quick action to control the attack, remove the threat, and restore encrypted data. To protect your data against future ransomware attacks, back up files, update the system and software, and run anti-malware software.

If you have issues with MiniTool ShadowMaker, send an email to [email protected].